Quick thoughts on Final Fantasy IV: A Realm Reborn on PlayStation 4

It’s not every day that a mass multiplayer online game gets a do-over, but that’s what happened over the past 33 months with Final Fantasy XIV. An effort like that is unprecedented, but it was sparked by an underwhelming debut in 2010. Dubbed A Realm Reborn, the reboot has gained traction since its re-release last year, becoming the largest MMO of its kind coming out of Japan. It’s also gotten a better reception.

Now the game is coming to the PlayStation 4. I had a chance to check it out earlier this month. Here are a few quick thoughts:

UPGRADED LOOKS: Square Enix prides itself in creating some of the most visually stunning games on any platform. On the PS4, the world of Eorzea looks gorgeous with vistas that seem to go on forever. When it comes to content, the world looks strangely familiar for fans of the old version. Walking through the streets of Ul’dah in the desert of Thanalan gave me some flashbacks. The one thing that concerns me on the PS4 version is the typography, it could be too small for some living room setups.

When it comes to improvements over the PlayStation 3 version, players on the PS4 can expect a smoother framerate as well as the power to handle more characters on the screen at the same time.

IT HANDLES WELL: One of the concerns adapting a PC title to the console is the controls. Obviously, there’s going to be a difference in schemes, but Square Enix did a smart job with the DualShock 4 giving players the best of all worlds. They can use the PS3 setup and its easy-to-use Cross Hotbar. In addition, Square Enix added support for the touchpad. Players can drag a cursor to specfic part of the menu and click to access it. It’s not something I recommend using all the time, but it can be helpful when looking at maps or choosing specific options.

If those alternatives aren’t enough, players can just install a mouse and keyboard. Yes, the PS4 version will support this optimal control scheme.

MOVING IT OUT OF THE LIVING ROOM: Taking advantage of the intereconnectivity between the PS4 and PlayStation Vita, FFXIV: A Realm Reborn will also be playable on the handheld through Remote Play. Better yet, the Vita provides yet another control scheme that uses the touch-screen and touchpad in the back.

IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE: An MMO is a game that’s constantly evolving and FFXIV: A Realm Reborn is no different. Square Enix says it’s working on player housing at the moment. They are creating three residential districts, and right now, the game offers more than 240 pieces of furniture, which players can use to decorate the inside and outside their abode.

When it comes to new content, the studio is working on the next patch called Through the Maelstrom. It features a new dungeon called a Amdapor Township and The Binding Coil of Bahamat. Players can also expect the character Gilgamesh to make his debut along with new quests with Hildebrand. Players should expect new content like this every three months, Square Enix says.

Lastly, FFXIV: A Realm Reborn will arrive in more regions later in the year. China will be aboard in the summer with plans to bring the game to South Korea, Russia, Taiwan and the Middle East later on.

SO HOW MUCH WILL THiS ALL COST?: Fans looking forward to the game can expect it to come in digital and boxed copies. There’ll be collector’s editions for both formats. A standard digital/boxed format will be $39.99 with a digital collector’s edition going for $59.99. A boxed collector’s edition will go for $79.99.

The PS4 collector’s edition will have special mounts and items, including an additional Fat Chocobo and wind-up Moogle minion. Those who bought the same edition on the PC or PS3 shouldn’t be jealous of the additions. They’ll be getting these add-ons via mog letter.

Right now, the FFXIV: A Realm Reborn open beta is going on right now. It lasts until March 3. After the beta is finished, the characters will be wiped. There’s a second beta period going on from April 4 to April 7 and the characters you make then can be transferred to the main game. In addition, players will be able to move their PS3 or PC characters to the new PS4 version if they’re so inclined.

Like other MMOs, FFXIV: A Realm Reborn on the PS4 will require a subscription but players won’t need a PlayStation Plus account to get on. That’s big benefit and a huge, er, plus.

Finally, there’s an early access for those who bought the Collector’s Edition. That is held right before the game launches on the PS4 on April 14. (That coincides with the system’s launch in Japan.) The early access period is April 11 to April 13.